2011 GMC Savana 3500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest 2011 change is a newer 6.6-liter Duramax diesel with more torque. The Savana 3500 also gains diesel passenger trims, updated connectivity, and standard stability control on cargo vans, but it is not a redesign.

0 in stock at Carvana

About the 2011 GMC Savana 3500

1st generation full-size Savana/Express van platform, in service since 1996; 2011 is a small-update year rather than a redesign year.

The 2011 Savana 3500 is GMC’s old-school full-size van built for hard work first. GMC presents it as a professional-grade tool: strong body-on-frame construction, serious towing and payload ability, broad upfit potential, and passenger or cargo layouts that suit shuttle duty, contractor work, and commercial fleets. Its biggest differences versus newer van rivals are simple mechanicals, V8 power, available diesel torque, and a layout that many fleet buyers already know how to service and use.

The 2011 Savana 3500 lineup covers no-frills cargo duty and 12-passenger fleet or shuttle work, with regular- and extended-length bodies. Diesel models emphasize pulling power, while LT passenger vans add cloth seats, power windows and locks, rear air conditioning, and chrome exterior trim.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Diesel vans switch to the newer LGH 6.6-liter Duramax V8, increasing output from 250 to 260 hp and torque from 460 to 525 lb-ft. LS and LT diesel passenger trims join in regular- and extended-length forms. The Base trim changes from diesel to gas, while the Extended trim drops its diesel powertrain option; separate Diesel and Diesel Extended cargo trims remain.

Safety

StabiliTrak stability control becomes standard on cargo vans. There is no major change to the van’s crash structure.

Tech

Upgraded audio systems add USB input and XM satellite-radio support, with Bluetooth phone connectivity on vans carrying those radios. Passenger trims also gain a six-month OnStar Directions & Connections plan as standard equipment.

2011 GMC Savana 3500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 GMC Savana 3500LS0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LT0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500Base0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500Diesel0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500Extended0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LS Diesel0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LT Diesel0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LS Extended0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LT Extended0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500Diesel Extended0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LS Diesel Extended0 in stock	2011 GMC Savana 3500LT Diesel Extended0 in stock
Engine	V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter	V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter	V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 4.8 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter	V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter	V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter	V8, Flex Fuel, 6.0 Liter	V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter	V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter	V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Diesel	Flexible Fuel	Diesel	Diesel	Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Diesel	Diesel	Diesel
MPG City	11 mpg	11 mpg	10 mpg		10 mpg			11 mpg	11 mpg
MPG Highway	16 mpg	16 mpg	16 mpg		16 mpg			16 mpg	16 mpg
Horsepower	324 hp	324 hp	280–324 hp	260 hp	280–324 hp	260 hp	260 hp	324 hp	324 hp	260 hp	260 hp	260 hp
Torque	373 lb-ft	373 lb-ft	295–373 lb-ft	525 lb-ft	295–373 lb-ft	525 lb-ft	525 lb-ft	373 lb-ft	373 lb-ft	525 lb-ft	525 lb-ft	525 lb-ft
Max Towing	9700 lb	9700 lb	10000 lb	10000 lb	10000 lb	9900 lb	9900 lb	9300 lb	9300 lb	10000 lb	9700 lb	9700 lb
Trunk/Cargo	216.2 cu-ft	216.2 cu-ft	270.4 cu-ft	270.4 cu-ft	313.9 cu-ft	216.2 cu-ft	216.2 cu-ft	252.8 cu-ft	252.8 cu-ft	313.9 cu-ft	252.8 cu-ft	252.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.6 in	36.6 in				36.6 in	36.6 in	36.6 in	36.6 in		36.6 in	36.6 in
Seats	12	12	2	2	2	12	12	15	15	2	15	15
Doors	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
Safety & Security
Cruise Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Privacy Glass
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Dual Power Front Seats
Folding Rear Seat
Rear Air Conditioning
Power Driver Seat
Power Locks
Power Windows
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Third Row Seat
Tilt Wheel

How the 2012 GMC Savana 3500 compares

The 2012 GMC Savana 3500 was a light-update year rather than a redesign. The main change was a smaller standard V8 for gas passenger vans, while the stronger 6.0-liter V8 remained in the lineup.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2011 GMC Savana 3500?

The biggest change is the updated 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8. It produces 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque, up from 250 hp and 460 lb-ft in 2010.

Were diesel passenger versions added to the 2011 GMC Savana 3500 lineup?

Yes. The 2011 lineup adds LS Diesel, LS Diesel Extended, LT Diesel, and LT Diesel Extended passenger trims, combining 12-passenger duty with the updated Duramax engine.

Did the 2011 GMC Savana 3500 get new technology?

Yes. Upgraded radio systems gain USB input, XM satellite-radio support, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Passenger vans also receive a six-month OnStar Directions & Connections plan as standard equipment.

Did safety equipment change on the 2011 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van?

Yes. StabiliTrak stability control becomes standard on 2011 cargo vans, helping the driver maintain control when the van begins to skid. The body and crash structure are not redesigned.

Is the 2011 GMC Savana 3500 a redesign?

No. The 2011 Savana 3500 keeps the same basic body, chassis, cargo-van layout, and passenger-van format. Its updates center on the diesel engine, trim lineup, connectivity, and cargo-van stability control.